Lianchihtan Scenic Area Introduction
Lotus Pond, located in Zuoying District, possesses profound Eastern connotations. It is bordered by Gui Mountain to the south and Banping Mountain to the north. During the Qing Dynasty, the pond was filled with lotus flowers, which bloomed in summer, emitting a fragrant aroma and earning the name "Lotus Scent in Pan Water," becoming one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Fengshan during the Qing Dynasty. The iconic Dragon and Tiger Pagodas by Lotus Pond allow visitors to experience the profound impact of Eastern religious culture. It was specially recommended by CNN, making it one of the most traditional religious-themed scenic spots in Kaohsiung. There are over 20 temples around Lotus Pond, with the most well-known including the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Spring and Autumn Pavilions, and the Confucius Temple. The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, in particular, are favored by international travelers and are a must-visit attraction in Kaohsiung. CNN featured the "Dragon and Tiger Pagodas of Lotus Pond" in its 2014 article "10 Reasons to Love Kaohsiung" for their ability to ward off disasters. Built in 1976, the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda is 7 stories high, allowing entry through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's mouth. The interior is adorned with painted stories in traditional glazed pottery, crafted by renowned artists, complementing the picturesque view of the pagoda and the Nine-Curve Bridge. Visitors are said to follow the custom of entering through the dragon's mouth and exiting through the tiger's mouth, symbolizing good fortune and safety. Climbing to the top provides a panoramic view of Lotus Pond's beautiful scenery. Adjacent to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas is the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, established in 1953, which have stood for over sixty years. These two Chinese palace-style structures are named to commemorate Confucius's "Spring and Autumn Annals." Each pavilion is four stories high with eight sides, featuring green tiles and yellow walls, resembling a pagoda. The reflection of the ancient-style tower in the water, connected to the Nine-Curve Bridge, commemorates the martial saint Guan Yu and is regarded as one of the most distinguished towers in Taiwan, also referred to as the "Imperial Pavilions of Spring and Autumn." The Spring and Autumn Pavilions feature a dragon-shaped tunnel similar to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, where visitors can follow the guides through the dragon's mouth. Inside the tunnel, vibrant murals tell various religious stories with intricate details, attracting many who come with reverence to admire the exquisite artwork on the walls. In front of the Spring and Autumn Pavilions stands a statue of Guanyin riding a dragon, inspired by a legend that Guanyin Bodhisattva once appeared on a dragon in the clouds, instructing followers to build a statue between the Spring and Autumn Pavilions according to her appearance, resulting in the current dragon-riding Guanyin statue. The "Five-Li Pavilion" derives its name from "Five-Li Mist," as Li Shangyin's poem states, "Five Li of Mist." According to local lore, those in a state of confusion are said to be in "Five-Li Mist." The pavilion is approximately two stories tall, with flying eaves and yellow tiles, strikingly beautiful. In the early morning, when mist shrouds Lotus Pond, the Five-Li Pavilion appears as if floating on the surface of the pond, resembling a celestial palace. At night, the extended bank lights emit a soft glow, creating an otherworldly ambiance. By climbing the stairs of the Five-Li Pavilion to the second floor, one can overlook the entire Lotus Pond, a scene filled with Eastern charm and reminiscent of the beauty of Jiangnan gardens. The Zuoying Confucius Temple, the largest in Taiwan, is modeled after northern Chinese palace-style architecture and references the shape of the Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong. The grandeur of its exterior includes the Grand Hall, Grand Gate, East and West Wings, Chongsheng Shrine, Lingxing Gate, Li Gate, and other features, fully constructed. The Santa Cruz Temple was built as early as 1684 by the magistrate Yang Fangsheng, later rebuilt during the Qianlong and Guangxu eras after damage from wind and rain, resulting in its present complete form. An annual ceremony honoring Confucius is held on September 28 coinciding with Teacher's Day. The Lotus Pond Children's Park is a renowned parent-child destination in Kaohsiung, transforming the conventional play equipment into a varied and locally themed playground, making it the first co-creative park in Kaohsiung. The colorful Rainbow Hill incorporates elements like speaking tubes, tunnels, and climbing walls, inviting children to explore freely. They can train coordination on climbing frames in the sandpit area and enjoy a newly added 30-meter-long zip line, with swings and balance beams, making it a great place for family enjoyment and learning. The ambiance around Lotus Pond, surrounded by pavilions, statues, and city walls, exudes an "old town" atmosphere, with rich cultural relics, ancient buildings, and military villages, creating a vivid living vibe. Walking through the old streets and traditional markets allows for gastronomic exploration of Zuoying's rich flavors! Lotus Pond's beautiful scenery is accompanied by numerous water activities for those craving excitement. The walking trail around the pond caters to both leisurely strollers and cyclists, offering a delightful experience at differing paces. The Lotus Pond Water Ski Theme Park, the first international-standard cable ski park in Taiwan, has attracted over a million visitors since opening in 2014, hosting international invitational competitions that draw tourists from various countries. The coverage of these events through media broadcasts continues to showcase Kaohsiung from a sports tourism perspective. PAMMA Coffee, located next to Yuan Emperor Temple by Lotus Pond, merges environmental ecology with its bright white architectural design, providing a serene view of the elegant lakeside scenery. The café offers light meals and drinks, allowing guests to enjoy coffee delicacies while taking in the beauty of Lotus Pond, thus becoming a new popular photo spot for domestic and international tourists. Mango Café, situated within the Confucius Temple, offers affordable coffee and traditional pastry afternoon tea amidst an antique atmosphere, allowing you to thoroughly experience a unique Chinese-style coffee afternoon tea!
